Why Do Crabs Walk Sideways?
What’s inside...
A whimsical tale of Cornelius Crab and his journey to discover why crabs walk sideways, an adventure filled with marine mysteries and underwater camaraderie. Step into the intriguing world of crabs and embark on a captivating journey as you discover the reasons behind their peculiar sideways walk. In this remarkable tale, a vibrant crab community faces relentless harassment and bullying by the despicable Simon-a character hardly worth mentioning due to his malicious nature. However, amidst the chaos, one crab emerges as a true hero, defying the odds and transforming the entire way his colony and future generations traverse the world. Prepare to ponder not only the mysteries of crab locomotion but also the enigmas of our world-such as the clarity of water contrasting with the blueness of the sea, or the origins of the very first sprout eater. Brace yourself for a multitude of unanticipated questions, awaiting your curious mind!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think crabs walk sideways instead of forwards like us?
Can you imagine how the world would look if you could only walk sideways?
What other unique things do you think crabs can do?
How do crabs compare to other creatures you know in terms of movement?
What would you do if you met a crab on the beach?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the movements of a crab by acting it out together. This makes the learning experience fun and interactive.
Ask your child to draw a crab and its habitat to deepen their understanding and engagement with the book's content.
Relate the crab’s unique movement to the concept of diversity in the animal kingdom, discussing how different creatures have adapted to their environments.
After reading the book, watch a short documentary or video about crabs with your child to reinforce what they've learned and add visual context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The crabs in the story walk sideways as a unique adaptation to their environment, showcasing their ability to adjust and thrive.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to new situations, whether it’s adjusting to a new school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The main character's quest to understand why crabs walk sideways drives the narrative, emphasizing the value of asking questions and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the natural world around them and to seek answers to their own questions through exploration and learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character faces several challenges in his quest, solving them through critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to apply critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story highlights the crabs' unique movement as an adaptation to their seaside habitat, which underscores the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of respecting nature and promotes environmentally friendly practices in daily life.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, the protagonist continues his exploration about crabs, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of perseverance in achieving goals, encouraging children to keep trying even when faced with difficulties.